From Grassroots to Government

Strong action on climate change is moving at a very slow pace globally. Are workers in the field really making a worthwhile difference to the health issues brought about by climate change? If we are not, what are the reasons for this lack of progress and how do we better address the impact of climate change on both local and global health issues? This chapter shifts from outlining the problems with the lack of action on climate and health to proposing ways by which we can galvanise attention and promote appropriate action. We can progress action on climate change and reducing its ill effects on human health by using a two-pronged approach: (i) by highlighting and encouraging basic human positive attributes, such as being connected with ones community and recognising the finite nature of our resources; and (ii) by framing health and sustainability as an integral part of poverty-reduction strategies and national development plans. These two mechanisms may provide an approach by which we can synergise broader-based support by communities for meaningful action on the promotion of sustainability and the development of an active ongoing working partnership with grass-roots groups as well as national- and international-level organisations